Arrival.

Well we arrived safe and sound with no hiccups or mishaps along the way.  We didn't have much time before boarding once we had gone through security at Auckland so that was good because  the kids were busting to get on that plane!

Awaiting to board

The flight itself was great - quite smooth which is always good for those on their first flight. The Air Calin planes they use for this route are quite small - just a centre aisle with three seats on one side and three on the other. These planes also don't have onboard entertainment which is a shame.  Some were asking 1/2 an hour into the flight "have we got long to go now!"  They chatted and sang and drew pictures and some read so they were good. 

The warmth of course was the first thing they noticed when we disembarked. It was a bit breezy at the airport but a nice 23deg. The kids were pumped in the bus on the way into the city because we were finally here. They laughed and chatted but the noise got quieter the closer we got to Noumea and the billets. The reality of what they'd let themselves in for was dawning on them! It happens every year.    The families all seemed lovely and assured me they would take great care of them. One of the big differences over the last few years that I've noticed is how much technology is changing the contact between the families. Nearly all of our kids recognised their billet as soon as they walked over the road from the bus to where they were all gathered - no introductions needed. Most had been skyping each other so that is great.

The french teacher I organise the exchanges with had bought a bag of essentials for us to bring home to our apartment, which was very much appreciated! I just love eating samples of the massive range of cheeses available here. 

One of those we had was a bit 'smelly', but we ignored the smell and relished in the deliciouness of it!

This was all sampled with the obligatory baguette of course so by the time another teacher arrived to take us out to dinner, we were rather full!  I hope the kids are also trying new things and enjoying their taste of french family life and customs tonight. I've not had any phone calls so all must be well.

I was talking to Baz earlier tonight about how much I enjoy doing this exchange for the kids.  The world is so full of extreme people full of hate, intolerance and violence. I think we need to start somewhere to try and ensure that as many kids as possible get an experience that will open their eyes up to the fact that there are many people who have different beliefs, cultures and ways of life to theirs, but they are still normal people who we can build good positive relationships with. Hopefully they will learn a bit more tolerance and an appreciation of things 'different' rather than an inclination to condemn the difference. 

I'm off to bed now and already looking forward to greeting all the excited faces in the morning! We have a busy day of a welcome breakfast at school, museum visit and then some paddleboarding after lunch.

Bonne nuit!

Colleen